Ride the Rockies low-altitude preparation problems

How exactly do you train for riding 442 miles over six days, climbing 25,000 feet? That’s one problem. The other problem is how do you train for altitudes that range from 5,000 to 12,000 when you live very much at sea level? The third problem is convincing a 52 year-old body that this can be done.

If I had the fourth problem –- a job -– I think I might hit the four-problem-limit.

I am blessed to live in northern California where hills are abundant, traversed by good roads with relatively few cars. You can also add the benefit that cycling –- road and mountain and cross and urban -– pervades the community in Marin County.

I won’t get into the debate as to whether mountain biking was actually invented here or not, but I will say there is nearly one bike shop for every coffee shop.

We do have hills. We can fight the good fight against gravity; not for 12 miles like in Ride the Rockies. But we can find ways to climb 5,000-7,000 on a single ride. It’s a lot of up and down, but it works.

Unlike RTR, however, there’s ample oxygen. As the day heats up and as the fog comes in, the afternoons can deliver strong breezes. I don’t think anyone likes riding in the wind. You feel like a turd. It’s like riding through molasses. But it does build strong legs –- and willpower.

The problem relative to RTR, is that riding in the wind is the opposite of riding at altitude. On windy days, you open your mouth and O2 is pumped down your throat. It’s the beer bong of oxygen intake.

You begin to worry that Ride the Rockies may only be for Sherpas, Incas and Coloradans. They took my entry fee. They must think I can do it.

In 2012, I asked a former colleague whether he was interested in running the Chicago Marathon. Two weeks later, he asked if I was interested in Ride the Rockies. I got a road bike, got on the tour, and have yet to regret it. This will be my third RTR.

Daniel Petty is the digital director of sports for The Denver Post. He competed in track and cross country all four years inc college, but that was six years ago. Now, he's doing Ride the Rockies for the first time.